January 5, 2024From Plastic to Wax: A Technology for BiodegradabilityThe additive aids biodegradability by changing the polymer structure, converting it into a wax-like material after being exposed to light, water, moisture, and microbes. Read more
December 30, 2023Team Designs Digital Health Tools for Pregnant RefugeesAn intercampus collaboration led by Dr. Gunisha Kaur, an associate professor of anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, has received a National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Catalyst Prize for its project, “Digital Solutions to Reduce Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in Refugee Women.” Read more
December 29, 2023Solving Material Development Bottlenecks With AIHitachi High-Tech developed an AI tool that enabled them to reduce their research on biodegradable additives from 120 days to two days. Researchers have used AI in the development of new materials and additives for the production of plastics. Some companies are looking for alternatives to suit their customers’ needs. Read more
December 28, 2023Salomon’s Innovative Approach to Revolutionizing Ski Boot Design with 3D PrintingIn an era dominated by Industry 4.0, where optimization and sustainability are paramount, companies are turning to cutting-edge technologies to enhance their product offerings. Among these technologies, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative force, addressing the needs of rapid prototyping and end-use part production. Read more
December 26, 2023New Ultrasound Process Could Enable In-Body 3D PrintingImagine a future where organs or tissues can be 3D printed directly inside the human body. This once far-fetched idea is now on the horizon, thanks to a pioneering 3D printing process developed by researchers at Duke University and Harvard Medical School. Read more
December 21, 2023Rheology in Optimizing Thermoplastic Polymer PerformancePolymeric materials are the backbone of various industries, ranging from packaging and electronics to automotive and aerospace. The melt flow behavior of thermoplastic polymers, crucial for processes like extrusion, injection molding, and more, is significantly influenced by their molecular architecture. Plastics engineers aiming to tailor polymeric materials to specific physical properties and ensure top-notch manufacturing processes need to master the art of rheology. Read more
December 18, 2023AI for Enhanced Materials Development and ManufacturingAI has become an important tool for the development of new materials, enabling R&D scientists to develop new materials with improved properties and functionalities. Data analysis and prediction A significant form of AI’s contribution is data analysis. By sorting through… Read more
December 16, 2023Flame Retardancy in Epoxy: The TDPPI BreakthroughA groundbreaking flame retardant has emerged to redefine the performance of epoxy composites. Meet tris[4-(2,5-dioxopyrrol-1-yl)phenyl] phosphite (TDPPI), a phosphorus-based maleimide boasting unparalleled attributes such as moderate transparency, enhanced thermal stability, and improved mechanical strength. Read more
December 15, 2023PFAS-Free Flame RetardantsToday’s flame-retardant technologies rely strongly on PFAS, but regulations around the globe are pushing the industry to find alternatives that aim to balance fire safety with environmental and health considerations. Read more
December 12, 2023SPE Seeks Knowledgeable Professionals for Educational ProgramsThe Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) invites you to join their team of instructors as they develop educational programs and workshops for their audience of plastics professionals seeking to enhance their work skills and abilities. Instructors will lead workshops that break the mold, offering unique perspectives and insights that resonate with their audience. Read more
December 11, 2023Polymer Technology Revolutionizing Diabetes CareResearchers from Cornell and the University of Alberta, Edmonton, have pioneered a novel technique for treating Type 1 diabetes. Their innovation involves implanting a revolutionary device, a removable polymer thread, beneath the skin. Read more
December 5, 2023Honoring Plastics Industry Icon, Glenn BeallSPE has recently announced that the ANTEC® 2024 program will feature a Symposium Honoring the Career Achievements of Mr. Glenn Beall. His indelible legacy has significantly contributed to the growth of plastics and SPE. Read more